Me, Myself, and Them

A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia

Kurt Snyder, Raquel E. Gur, M.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews

In Me, Myself, and Them, Kurt Snyder looks back from the vantage point of recovery and eloquently describes the debilitating changes in thoughts and perceptions that took hold of his life during his teens and twenties. As a memoir, this book is remarkable for its unvarnished look at the slow and difficult process of coming back from severe mental illness. Yet Kurt's memoir is only half the story. With the help of psychiatrist Raquel E. Gur, M.D., and veteran science writer Linda Wasmer Andrews, Kurt paints the big picture for others affected by adolescent schizophrenia. Drawing on the latest scientific and medical evidence, he explains how to recognize warning signs, where to find help, and what treatments have proved effective.

Me, Myself, and Them

A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia

Kurt Snyder, Raquel E. Gur, M.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Description

During his second semester at college, Kurt Snyder became convinced that he was about to discover a fabulously important mathematical principle, spending hours lost in daydreams about numbers and symbols. In time, his thoughts took a darker turn, and he became preoccupied with the idea that cars were following him, or that strangers wanted to harm him. Kurt's mind had been hijacked by schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that typically strikes during the late teen or young adult years. In Me, Myself, and Them, Kurt, now an adult, looks back from the vantage point of recovery and eloquently describes the debilitating changes in thoughts and perceptions that took hold of his life during his teens and twenties. As a memoir, this book is remarkable for its unvarnished look at the slow and difficult process of coming back from severe mental illness. Yet Kurt's memoir is only half the story. With the help of psychiatrist Raquel E. Gur, M.D., Ph.D., and veteran science writer Linda Wasmer Andrews, Kurt paints the big picture for others affected by adolescent schizophrenia. Drawing on the latest scientific and medical evidence, he explains how to recognize warning signs, where to find help, and what treatments have proved effective. Kurt also offers practical advice on topics of particular interest to young people, such as suggestions on managing the illness at home, school, and work, and in relationships with family and friends. Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, My, Myself, and Them offers hope to young people who are struggling with schizophrenia, helping them to understand and manage the challenges of this illness and go on to lead healthy lives.

Me, Myself, and Them

A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia

Kurt Snyder, Raquel E. Gur, M.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Table of Contents

Preface. 1. Overview of SchizophreniaKurt's storyThe big pictureDefinition of schizophrenia Prevalence Causes Signs and symptoms 2. Subtypes and symptomsKurt's storyAfter college Iridium First psychotic episode Partially recovering from psychosis The big pictureSubtypes of schizophrenia Positive symptoms, in detail Negative symptoms, in detail 3. Losing Touch With RealityKurt's storySecond psychotic episode Wondering...is there something wrong with me? Trying to work, inability to functi />SidebarsQuotes from another individual with schizophrenia Tips on planning for an out-of-town trip, such as Kurt's trip to New York What to do if you're feeling suicidal 4. Diagnosis and TreatmentKurt's storyBizarre ideation, another admission to the hospital A new diagnosis-schizophrenia Deciding to take medication The big pictureDiagnostic process Common comorbidities Treatment options 5. Living With SchizophreniaKurt's storyA deep depression Grandmother dies, having inappropriate affect A gift from a friend-continuing education Deciding to do something worthwhi />The big pictureComing to terms with your illness Developing strategies for success Psychiatric rehabilitation Support groups 6. Outlook for the FutureKurt's storySlow improvement, doing progressively better as each year passes Relying on friends and family for help My life now-symptom-free, continuing to take the medication The big picturePrognosis with appropriate treatment Overcoming societal stigma Educating others about schizophrenia, based on what you now know Debunking common myths Frequently Asked QuestionsGlossaryResource List

Me, Myself, and Them

A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia

Kurt Snyder, Raquel E. Gur, M.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Author Information

Kurt Snyder is a database administrator for the state of Maryland as well as president of his local volunteer fire department.Rachel Gur, MD, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she has acted as Director of the Neuropsychiatry section and the Schizophrenia Research Center.Linda Wasmer Andrews is a freelance health and psychology writer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is the coauthor of Monochrome Days: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Depression as well as the author or coauthor of numerous other books, including Stress Control for Peace of Mind. Her writing has appeared in magazines such as Self, Parenting, and Psychology Today.

Me, Myself, and Them

A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia

Kurt Snyder, Raquel E. Gur, M.D., and Linda Wasmer Andrews

Reviews and Awards

"Like a Sea World underwater view, Me, Myself, and Them provides a riveting peek into the world of schizophrenia for parents like me who yearn for understanding. For young people with schizophrenia, like our son, the book orients a frightening illness. For both families and persons with mental illness, this book is laced with hope, something in short supply in most other books."--Mindy Greiling, Minnesota State Representative and Executive Board Member, National Alliance on Mental Illness

"This beautifully told personal story provides an innovative platform for solid information about schizophrenia and its treatment. Highly informative to persons struggling with the onset of psychosis, and to families, friends, and mental health workers who struggle to understand and help."--William T. Carpenter Jr., M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine

"The firsthand account is realistic."--Jim Greiling, diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 21, now 29 years old

"The authors provide a first rate resource for anyone whose life is touched by schizophrenia. Through solid, easy to understand language, the manuscript provides useful guidance for others coping with this disease. Highly recommended." --Ming Tsuang, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego

"Me, Myself and Them: A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia is a straightforward and marvelously lucid retelling of Kurt Snyder's battle with his demons. Not only does it show us the experience of psychosis, it also explains, in jargon-free language, what each element of that experience means. Compelling and eminently readable, a book like this ought to be required reading for all high school and college students, demystifying as it does an illness all too long shrouded in misunderstanding, confusion, and fear."--Pamela Spiro Wagner, author of Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and Their Journey Through Schizophrenia

"I strongly recommend this book to patients, families, clinicians and researchers interested in a first hand account of how schizophrenia changes the way the world looks, feels, and behaves. It is very moving and very informative. From compelling descriptions of changes in mood, cognition and perception to explanations about how the brain is affected and how drugs work, this brief but detailed personal statement and review of the state of the field is invaluable."--Daniel R. Weinberger, M.D., Director, Genes, Cognition and Psychosis Program IRP, NIMH, NIH